The Chesapeake Bay has a massive yachting community and hosts annual events including the Annapolis Boat show, numerous sailing regattas, hydroplane boat races, kayak and canoe races, food and wine festivals and the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim, to name just a few.

Charterers can enjoy the fabulous food, friendly atmosphere and listen to the live bands playing traditional country songs, jazz music and blues rhythms.

Beauty, serenity and peace mixed with colonial architecture, picturesque villages and lively towns are what make the Chesapeake Bay one of the best sailing grounds in the United States.

The Chesapeake Bay will have you captivated by its rich history, conservation themed attitudes and East coast charm. Hoist your sails and let the light to moderate winds cruise you through the shimmering waters to the next beautiful port, where you can drop your hook or take a slip in one of the many modern marinas.

Local towns and villages are filled with traditional culture and historic colonial architecture that are hidden amongst the narrow brick streets and alleys.

Wander through the bustling streets where you will find quaint antique and gift shops, museums, lively bars and unique restaurants that serve the famous blue crab as a specialty.

Stroll through the secret gardens and 18th century courtyards, relax in the beautiful flowered parks or enjoy the pristine sandy beaches of Chincoteague, Tangier and the barrier islands.

The Chesapeake Bay and cities around it have a temperate climate and enjoy four distinct seasons. The Bay covers a vast area and conditions are slightly different depending on the area you are sailing in. Overall the summer months are hot and last from May until the September, the hottest months are June, July and August when the average daily temperatures range between 85 - 90°F and nighttime lows are typically around 75°F.

In the Spring and Autumn the Chesapeake Bay is mild and pleasant with excellent sailing conditions on the Bay and wind speeds around 15 to 25 knots can be expected. The air temperatures in September and October are around 70 - 80°F.

The Winter months can be cold and nights temperatures can dip below freezing in some parts of the bay. Only the area around the mouth of the Susquehanna River is continental in nature, and the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Susquehanna flats often freeze in winter.

Rainfall is pretty consistent through year in the Chesapeake Bay with the wettest month being July and the driest being December or January; however, the average monthly rainfall is only around 3-4 inches.

The nearest airports to the Chesapeake Bay are Baltimore-Washington International airport, Washington Ronald Reagan National airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. From the airport it is approximately 30 minutes drive to the Charter Base. U.S. Highway 50 runs east and west from Washington, DC to the Atlantic Ocean. It crosses the Chesapeake Bay Bridge near Annapolis.

International airlines that fly into Baltimore-Washington International Airport are: Air Canada, Air Greenland, Air Jamaica, Air Tran, American Airlines, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Icelandair, Midwest Airlines, North American Airlines, United, USA 3000 and US Airways.

Entry Requirements

The Visa Waiver Program entitles citizens of 27 countries in the program to enter the United States of America for up to 90 days without a visa. All travellers must have a passport and it must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry (except for nationals of Andorra, Brunei and San Marino, who must hold passports valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure from the USA). Travel must be for holidays, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days.

Nationals of Bermuda and Canada will need to provide a valid passport for entry.
Nationals of Mexico will need to provide a valid passport and a US Border Crossing Card.

All other countries will need a Visa to enter the U.S.A. and should seek advice from their Embassy before travelling.

Language

The official language of Chesapeake Bay is American English.

Health

Always check with your doctor before travelling which vaccinations you will need.
The Water is safe to drink, if in doubt always buy bottled water.
Sunscreen is always advisable as the sun can get very strong.

Medical facilities are excellent but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds.
Good medical insurance is essential.

Safety

Petty theft does occur in America as in most countries.
Visitors should take common-sense precautions against petty crime. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use safety deposit facilities if available.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and carrying valuable items in run down areas.
Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach or in cars.
Always lock up boats when going ashore.
If hit from behind while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call 911 for Police help.

Taxes and Service Charges

Departure tax - None
Hotel Tax - Some hotels charge occupation tax and it can be as high as 15%, always check if the rate quoted is inclusive of all taxes.
Service Charge - 10% - 15%, this is often added to the bill so check before you leave further gratuity.
Gratuity is expected by Taxi drivers, bartenders and waiters - 15 - 20% is standard.
It is not necessary to tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants.

Restrictions

Do not make flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism, especially when passing through US airports.
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limits and the legal drinking age.
Illegal drug taking is not permitted and persons caught will illegal substances will be prosecuted.
Individuals must obtain a saltwater recreational fishing license for fishing in certain parts of the bay which entitles them to use rod and reel (hook & line), spear or gig, hand line, cast net, dip net or two eel pots; other rules may apply to these specific items.

Currency

US Dollar (US$) is the unit of currency and it is divided into 100 cents.
Banks and ATM machines can be found in all main towns along the Chesapeake Bay.
Travellers Cheques and currency exchange can only be done at major banks. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid hassles.
Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments.

Time Zone

The Chesapeake Bay is in the Eastern Time Zone and is GMT – 5 hours. Daylight saving time is observed between the end of March to the End of October reducing the time difference by another hour.(GMT -4)

International dialing code: +1
International phone cards are available from most shops; public phones are conveniently placed along the streets in most destinations.
Internet access and Wi-Fi is widely available at internet cafes in major towns around the Chesapeake area.
VHF radios are used to communicate with Marinas and other yachts.

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CharterSearch is a trading name of Ocean Marine Group. Our offices are located at Regus House, Falcon Drive, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 4RU.

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